Newquay – London subsidised

Cornwall Council is inviting airlines to submit bids to operate a Newquay to London air link.  The Flybe services from Gatwick and Southend are not scheduled after 25 October.

The Government announced last year that the flights were eligible for a Public Service Obligation (PSO) and in March confirmed that it would provide a financial guarantee for the full four-year duration. 

Adam Paynter, the Council’s Cabinet Member for Partnerships, is looking forward to receiving applications from a number of airlines.

“All airlines are eligible to apply to operate the route and we anticipate that the publication of the notice will attract a great deal of interest,” he said.  “The issue of the tender document means that we are on schedule to appoint an airline to operate the service from October as originally planned.”

Under European procurement rules airlines will have 61 days to submit their bids.  These will then be assessed by the Council and the Department for Transport, with an announcement on the successful airline expected at the end of August.  Passengers out of Newquay are still expected to pay what is in effect a tax called an “airport development fee.” See also COMMENT   www.newquaycornwallairport.com

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